GM SpiderBeard's Second Darkness (Inactive)

Game Master Barvo Delancy

"Well, that's a reminder not to judge people on their appearance, isn't it."

"Yeah. Y'think Ah'd know all 'bout 'dat."

"Fair point. Anyway, I don't know how to explain it. I just know a bit more about this type of stuff. Must be because I have access to magic."

"Y'mean yeh didn't even have'ta study 'r learn? Jus' came naturally t'ye?"

Thaddeus looks a little annoyed at this revelation. Though it quickly washes over with work to be done.

"That certainly won't work as a way in, but Lash might be able to learn something. Do you mind?"

"Oooh, good idea! Useful lil' guy, 'dere."

*Beeaahh!*

"Are yeh gonna cop an attitude ev'ry dang time Ah complement somebody else's familiar?"

As the country bumpkin and the savage barbarian exchange information on the higher points of arcane knowledge, Vash creeps into the fissure in the west wall.

The sound of waves crashing against the cliffs echoes in this
chamber through a narrow fissure in the eastern wall. A low table sits against the west wall, on which the remains of an unusual creature are splayed. The doglike beast’s body is partially dissected and surrounded by a variety of tools and half-filled bottles.

Within the chamber is a large gecko lounging about in the tiny bit of light that comes into the chamber. Further in, a male drow elf leans over the body on the table, muttering to himself in an incomprehensible language. Vash gets an eyeful of this, and creeps back out before buzzing over to Variel to tell him what he saw.

That part of the map has been revealed.

Variel listens as Lash describes the chamber. "So I don't think we'll learn much else that way .... I don't want you to risk flying across an open area. Peek into the main corridor, then if it looks safe we can follow."

While the wasp performs the recon, Variel prepares by casting another spell. "Apparently these "drow" can see in the dark like dwarves. I think we will want some light, though. การค้นพบ ไฟฉาย."

Casting Discovery Torch on his shield:

An object you touch emanates a 20-foot radius of bright light. The effect looks like a regular flame but creates no heat and uses no oxygen. Allies within the area of this light gain a +2 enhancement bonus on Perception and Sense Motive checks, as well as on Knowledge checks to identify monsters that are also within the area and their special powers and vulnerabilities.

When an inquisitor casts this spell, the light emanation doubles (40-ft.-radius emanation) while that inquisitor has a judgment active.

"Y'mean yeh didn't even have'ta study 'r learn? Jus' came naturally t'ye?"

Thaddeus looks a little annoyed at this revelation. Though it quickly washes over with work to be done.

Mutt shrugs. "There was a bit of study in there. I guess I just watched you and listened to you."

@Variel

Mutt nods at Variel. "Alright. Tell us when to move and I'll put a blade through their heads."

Vash heads back into the fissure, crawling across the roof of the cavern without a single sound. He manages to get a good ways into the cavern to explore what's in there.

From the room with the drow and the lizard, the passage heads northwards towards the sound of the ocean once more. To the east, directly in front of the secret door are two drow on guard who do not appear to be alerted to the group. The cavern continues to a closed door in that direction.

Map is updated.

Spiderbeard, you seem to have a mental block on my familiar's name: it's Lash, not Vash. ;-)

When Lash returns and report, Variel looks at Mutt. "Once we go in, the entire place will likely be alerted unless we can silence the guards quickly."

Looking at the other spellcasters, he asks, "Do any of you have a way of dropping them both? Maybe a sleep spell or the like?"

"Er..." Fiona pauses for thought, and cringes slightly. "...well, I *do* have a spell that I learned from that pamphlet you gave me, Variel..."

"...I'm not certain it'll work that well, though."

Looking at the other spellcasters, he asks, "Do any of you have a way of dropping them both? Maybe a sleep spell or the like?"

Thaddeus looks a bit embarrassed at the question.

"... Used t'be able t'do 'dat. Not no more. Long story. Don't quite unnerstand it mah'self. Can't stop 'em 'dat quickly, but Ah can hopefully slow 'em down, keep 'em from runnin' away."

Variel raises an eyebrow at Fiona. "Really? Do you want to step in first to see how it does, then the rest of us can be right behind?"

"... Used t'be able t'do 'dat. Not no more. Long story. Don't quite unnerstand it mah'self. Can't stop 'em 'dat quickly, but Ah can hopefully slow 'em down, keep 'em from runnin' away."

"I'm more concerned about them raising an alarm, but blocking off a path of retreat or preventing reinforcements from arriving quickly might be helpful."

Mutt snorts at Variel. "Well, I'm faster than the rest of you. I could just run in and bury my axe into their brains. Won't be able to call for an alarm after that. But, if you want to do the stealthy approach, then I won't argue."

Variel raises an eyebrow at Fiona. "Really? Do you want to step in first to see how it does, then the rest of us can be right behind?"

"...sure, I'll give it a shot." Fiona nods tentatively.

Might not be the best time to experiment with it, but at this point it's a better option than anything else I can come up with...

So.. what's the plan? Are you using a sleep spell? If so, what's the DC? Btw, posting at weird hours until week is out - conference.

I believe the plan is for Fiona to lead the way, as she has a spell she believes can be used to quickly silence the guards. Thaddeus will try to be right behind to attempt to cut off any routes of escape.

Yeah--I throw an unnatural lust on one of the guards at the secret door (I think?), then we take them down before they can raise the alert.

Hey guys being sick at this conference means my free time is limited and my brain capacity is nonexistent. I'll post when I can, but at the moment don't expect anything until the weekend. Sorry!

Understood. Con crud is bad enough, worse to get it while you're still there.

I RETURN!!!

You pile behind Fiona, silently count down from ten and Fiona pushes the door open, and rushes in, quickly chanting a spell! She hurls it at the nearest drow, who eyes the other guard for a moment, before quickly shaking his head as he resists the spell. However, the surprise has taken and the rest of the group can act!

Everyone but Fiona has a surprise action!

Variel follow in immediately behind Fiona. He looks at the two surprised drow and says, "You and your kind have brought nothing but trouble to our people. In the name of the Savored Sting, I pronounce judgment."

As he declares his judgment, the magical flame on his shield brightens to fill the entire room.

Move action to enter the room, swift to pronounce Judgment of Protection for +2 AC. The active judgment increases the light from his Discovery Torch to 40'. If any other creatures enter the room, everyone's Knowledge Checks to identify are increased by 2, as well as Perception and Sense Motive, if it comes up.

Mutt runs into the cavern. Seeing the crow, Mutt scowls at it, gripping his greataxe tightly.

Move Action to move into the cave.

Thaddeus squeezes into the cave, finding a good vantage point, and calling fourth the unconventional eldritch energies he wields.

"SOOOO-IIIEEE!"

MOVE: Move into the cave.
STANDARD: Use Swamp's Grasp on the two visible ways out, as well as filling the cave behind the drow, assuming the cave extends past our sight (Which should be better illuminated with Variel's spell.

MOVE: Move into the cave.
STANDARD: Use Swamp's Grasp on the two visible ways out, as well as filling the cave behind the drow, assuming the cave extends past our sight (Which should be better illuminated with Variel's spell.

Surprise round, so we only get one action, unfortunately.

Check your hp in your spoilers since I don't think any of you should be injured. And yeah, standard action only so Thaddeus will just move.

Thaddeus and Mutt both rush into the cave as they prepare to take on the drow.

Ellesbeth is up!

Weird, not sure why I had 29/34 showing, Variel's total hp is only 29. Fixed!

Does my 40' of light reveal anything further on the map?

Ellesbeth, ready for action, casts a quick Protection from Evil on herself.

"Don't screw this up..." She mumbles to herself.

I think the missing hp is from the fights we've had over the last few in game days. Would I be at full health at this point?

I believe so - there are three casters with CLW who had spell slots left over before we went to sleep. :-)

The group charges in, positioning themselves as they prepare for the fight while the drow scramble to react with the sudden, bright light in their eyes from the doors opening.

Variel is up with his full-round action!

As Mutt steps next to him, Variel lashes out with his whip at the nearest drow. He mutters a word and his weapon crackles with energy. "สารพิษเอลฟ์!"

Swift action to activate Bane (elf). Standard to attack.
Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
*facepalm* Wow, wasted a bane round on a nat one against a flat-footed opponent.

Despite the element of surprise, Variel's attack goes wide of its target.

Move action to curse my horrid luck. ;-)

The two drow at the doorway finally react, and cover their eyes as they are exposed to the light of the door. one quickly chants a spell, and suddenly the area becomes far, far darker. The other stumbles westwards through the gap in the wall, calling for assistance in their strange tongue. There's a call from the west, and the sound of movement.

Everyone but Variel is up!

When you say "far darker", do you mean dim light or completely dark? None of us has darkvision, so that could be a problem...

Gah, I didn't specify that. The area is now dim light.

Surprise round, so we only get one action, unfortunately.

Well, crud! Sorry 'bout that.

By the time Thaddeus is ready to get his hex off, one guard has already fled to get help. Thaddeus curses, but decides that if he can't keep the guards from fleeing, he can still keep help from getting here quickly.

"SOOO-IEEEE!"

STANDARD: Still going with Swamp's Grasp.

Ellesbeth, in the far back of the party, realizes she can't stop the guard from running off. Instead she casts a spell on herself, to protect herself from the ranged attacks of the drow.

She casts Entropic Shield. I didn't plan her this way, but she seems to be a buffer-style character, so I think I am going to lean into that more, and just keep buffing you guys when I don't have a clean setup for Burning Hands.

Mutt channels his anger and runs in, hacking at the drow dressed in red.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Roll for 20% Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 18

Bloodrage active. 21/22 rounds left. Use Bloodrage stats. 55/55 hp.

Slick, sludgy ground bubbles up at the base of the cave at Thaddeus' call. Ellesbeth remains in the back, continually casting spells to help out the group.

Roaring his rage, Mutt charges straight in, and he brutally slashes one of the blinded drow elves who is desperately trying to adjust to the rapid changes in light.

Fiona is up!

Round 1: Actions
Move Action: Move into the cavern
Standard Action: Cast heroism on myself

Fiona steps into the cavern, rather embarrassed that her magic didn't work. She opts to enhance her own combat prowess instead.

As Fiona rushes in, empowering herself, she looks to the left and sees two red, angry eyes form out of the darkness. With a howl of rage, the shadow takes the shape of wings and teeth. It pounces, and Fiona quickly fights to defend herself, dodging its claws. However, its teeth sink into her shoulder and she feels a numbing cold. It floats directly over Thaddeus' spell, never touching the ground.

A horrid creature has joined the battle. Fiona takes 9 damage (5 cold). Variel is up!

Despite the dimming effect of the drow magic, Variel's flaming shield illuminates the room enough to at least see.

Monster Lore, Discovery Torch Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30 Beat it by 10, any other useful information?
"Sting me! That's a shadow demon! They resist magic and mortal weapons! They are weak to the light of the sun, cold-forged iron, and holy weapons ... try not to let it touch you, it will trap your soul!"

The elf makes a sign in the air and the triple-dagger symbol on his necklace glows as he intones, "ต่อยเสิร์ฟ, ปกป้องเราจากความชั่วร้าย!" He then quickly touches himself, Lash, Thaddeus, and Fiona before moving around to touch Mutt.

Communal Protection from Evil, 1 minute to everyone except Ellesbeth and Old Horn. +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves vs attacks from evil creatures. Not sure if the demon is summoned or not, but if so, it is prevented from making contact with anyone who doesn't attack it first, assuming I overcome its SR: SR check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Hey guys I'm sick as hell and dealing with insanity at work. No post today. Thanks for your patience!

I LIVE! Barely.

Attack v Mutt: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Attack v Fiona: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

The drow finally get their vision back and start retaliating, casting nervous looks over to the shadow demon. The drow who retreated gets slowed up by Thaddeus' spell, but manages a swing on Fiona which misses. Mutt easily parries the attack against him as well.

In the back, you hear a spell being cast from the drow who was in the room with the lizard, and the monitor lizard itself charges into the room, rushing past Fiona as it tries to engage with Mutt.

No damage taken. Fiona gets an attack of opportunity on the lizard. Everyone but Variel is up!

AoO *Heroism*: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 2 = 24
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 2) + 4 = 12

Fiona takes out some frustrations on the lizard running past her.

Mutt sees the shadow creep up on him. He hears Variel's analysis and snorts. Glaring at it, he says, "I'll deal with you later." He turns to the drow in front of him. "You're first!" He swings his mighty weapon at him!

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Roll for 20% Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 67

Bloodrage Stats: AC 14 (AC 16 vs evil creatures), touch 9 (11 vs evil creatures), flat-footed 14 (16 vs evil creatures); hp 55; Fort +8, Will +5; +2 vs attacks from evil creatures; Melee +1 greataxe +11 (1d12+6/x3) or masterwork cold iron warhammer +11 (1d8+5/x3) or masterwork handaxe +11 (1d6+5/x3) or throwing axe +10 (1d6+5/x2) or masterwork longsword +11 (1d8+5/19-20); Ranged throwing axe +5 (1d6+5/x2; 10 ft range); Str 20, Con 20; CMB +10; CMD 20; Skills Climb +12, Swim +9

Bloodrage active. 20/22 rounds left. Communal Protection from Evil 9/10 rounds left. 55/55 hp.

You've got your regular action as well Fiona.

Round 2: Actions
Full-Round Action: Smack the shadow demon!

Fiona then turns to the shadowy beast that bit her and swings her hammer at it!

Attack *Heroism*: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 2 = 25
Damage?: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 9

Buffs:
Heroism: 498/500 Rounds

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Oh, screw you, RNG. That's just mocking me.

"Sweet corn chowder, what th'hell is 'dat?!?"

"Sting me! That's a shadow demon! They resist magic and mortal weapons! They are weak to the light of the sun, cold-forged iron, and holy weapons ... try not to let it touch you, it will trap your soul!"

"Oh, 'dis ain't good! Wait, light o'th' Sun? Ellie! Hold 'dat door open!"

In the back, you hear a spell being cast from the drow who was in the room with the lizard, and the monitor lizard itself charges into the room, rushing past Fiona as it tries to engage with Mutt.

Spellcraft check to identify?

Thaddeus, seeing the spell cast by Variel for protection, keeps a close eye on any of the non-drow monsters, seeing if any of them are having trouble approaching his allies.

Trying to determine if any of these beasts are summoned.

He maneuvers into the cave a little further, pressing up against the wall, and prepares a spell.

MOVE: Move into the cave, pressing up against the wall.
STANDARD: Cast Adhesive Spittle.

Fiona thwacks the lizard and then spins, swinging mightily at the shadow demon with her earthbreaker. She finds it a tough opponent, as her magical weapon, and the creature's natural resistance to most weaponry renders her damage moot. Mutt then engages with the drow, but in his fury almost loses his weapon as he swings wildly.

Thaddeus listens carefully, identifying the spell from the southwest as a produce flame spell. He then hocks up the world's worst loogie as he prepares his spell.

Ellesbeth is up!

Work is murder the last few days, EVERYONE is checking their car insurance before Thanksgiving trips. SUPER busy, long days. Please bot me as needed, I may miss another day or two. My apologies!

Ellesebeth will cast a defensive spell upon herself, and survey the battlefield.

Protection from Evil!

Mutt's Will Save: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 2 = 25

Ellesbeth buffs herself to complete the protection from evil spells on the group as the baddies counterattack.

The shadow demon spreads its wings, snarling wildly at Mutt. The bloodrager completely ignores the fear spell cast on him, and keeps swinging. In response, the demon folds its wings in on itself, and vanishes.

Variel is up!

Variel watches the shadow demon disappear and laughs. "Your demon has abandoned you, dark ones! You should take that as a sign, and surrender now!"

To punctuate his words, he steps up and snaps his whip at the drow in the doorway.

Free action Swift action to activate Bane (Elf). 5' step, then attack the non-colored drow.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 = 13 Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + (1, 4) = 10

Well, that was underwhelming. Judgment of Protection still up, AC is currently 19 (15 T)